Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $375

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine is a versatile overdrive effects pedal that packs a punch for guitar enthusiasts seeking to elevate their sound. This pedal skillfully combines the raw energy of fuzz with the subtleties of overdrive, offering two distinct channels to cater to a wide range of tonal preferences. The silicon/germanium hybrid circuitry ensures a seamless blend of vintage warmth and modern grit, making it a standout choice for any pedalboard.

The Zap Machine's intuitive design features universal Treble, Bass, and Level knobs, allowing for precise tonal shaping. Each channel—distinguished by Green and Red indicators—boasts its own dedicated Gain control. The Green channel delivers a smooth, low-gain overdrive ideal for subtle warmth and clean boosts, while the Red channel unleashes a powerful fuzz and distortion, perfect for those moments when you want to push your sound into uncharted territories.

Whether you're looking to add texture to your rhythm playing or unleash blistering solos, the EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine provides the flexibility and sonic depth to meet your creative needs. Its robust build ensures reliability on stage or in the studio, making it an indispensable tool for guitarists who crave both versatility and quality in their effects arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Two-channel overdrive and fuzz pedal
  • Silicon/germanium hybrid circuitry for unique tonal blend
  • Universal Treble, Bass, and Level controls
  • Individual Gain controls for each channel
  • Green channel: low-gain overdrive and boost
  • Red channel: fuzz and distortion tones
  • Durable construction for stage and studio use

Product specs

Brand EarthQuaker Devices
Model Zap Machine
Finish Various
Year 2014 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of effect does the EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine provide?

The EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine is a fuzz pedal, designed to deliver rich, saturated fuzz tones suitable for a variety of music styles.

How does the EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine differ from a standard overdrive pedal?

Unlike standard overdrive pedals that simulate tube amp distortion, the Zap Machine offers a more aggressive, textured fuzz sound, ideal for achieving a vintage or experimental tone.

Is the EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Zap Machine can be used with both guitar and bass, providing a robust fuzz effect that enhances the tonal characteristics of each instrument.

What power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine require?

The Zap Machine requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for many guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into most pedalboards.

Can the EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine be used for live performances?

Absolutely, the Zap Machine is designed for both studio and live use, offering reliable performance and a distinctive fuzz sound that cuts through the mix on stage.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Earthquaker Devices Zap Machine

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Zap Machine by Guitar World

Earthquaker Devices Zap Machine

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for This Old Bench Ep. 2 - Zap Machine | EarthQuaker Devices by EarthQuakerDevices

This Old Bench Ep. 2 - Zap Machine | EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices - Zap Machine by Dennis Kayzer

Earthquaker Devices - Zap Machine

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices ZAP MACHINE guitar effects pedal demo by gearmanndude

Earthquaker Devices ZAP MACHINE guitar effects pedal demo

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for PedalsAndEffects: EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine by Pedals and Effects

PedalsAndEffects: EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine

Pedals and Effects

Pedals and Effects

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Zap Machine Fuzz Pedal by Phil Vickman

Earthquaker Devices Zap Machine Fuzz Pedal

Phil Vickman

Phil Vickman

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Limited Ed. Zap Machine Fuzz! by drowninginguitars

Earthquaker Devices Limited Ed. Zap Machine Fuzz!

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Three effects in one: clean boost, transparent overdrive, and light fuzz

  • More transparent overdrive than TS808 or BD-2

  • Versatile gain knob allows for a wide range of sounds

  • Can achieve warm, crunchy tones with internal trimpot adjustment

  • Satisfying enhancement to any tone, regardless of guitar or amp

  • Dual pedal design offers more utility and options

CONS

  • High price point may deter some users

  • Lacks a flexi switch, affecting ease of use in comparison to other pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine.

User experience

  • The Zap Machine is described as the "heart of the board," providing an organic, uncompressed sound that inspires prolonged play sessions.

    Source
  • Some users find the red channel noisy and less usable, contrasting with the green side's praised performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Pairing the Zap Machine with a spring reverb yields vintage tones, highlighting its versatility in creating classic sounds.

    Source
  • The pedal excels at maintaining chord definition at moderate gain levels when the bass is kept low, making it suitable for more transparent fuzz applications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal is praised for its transparent and responsive sound, making it an instant favorite for its unique tonal qualities.

    Source
  • The green channel provides a looser, darker tone suitable for rhythm, while the red channel offers a brighter, raspier sound, highlighting versatile tonal options.

    Source
  • The bass knob's unique placement before the gain section allows the pedal to shift from bass-heavy fuzz to bright distortion, enhancing its adaptability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EQD Levitation replaced a Surfy Bear unit due to its ability to preserve signal integrity, offering exceptional psychedelic trails without tone loss.

    Source
  • The Smallsound/Bigsound Mini offers similar fuzz textures and EQ functionality, with bass control before gain and treble after, akin to the Zap Machine.

    Source
  • The EQD Bellows shares a similar fuzzy overdrive to full fuzz range, although it lacks the Zap Machine's tone control.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Ash Reiter uses EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine

Ash Reiter

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Shopify, Ash Reiter is shown using the EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine overdrive pedal.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EarthQuaker Devices Zap Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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